U.S. patent application number 11/252582 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for warning device for vehicles.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hitachi, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Youichi Horii, Ryoko Ichinose, Tadashi Osaka, Kazushi Yoshida.
Application Number | 20060097857 11/252582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36315768 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060097857 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Osaka; Tadashi ; et
al. |
May 11, 2006 |
Warning device for vehicles
Abstract
The present invention ensures easy identification of an
approaching object by the driver, and guides the driver to a
destination by a car navigation system by allowing the driver to
keep watching ahead. Wherein a warning is not issued if the driver
has been aware of an approaching obstacle and that his vehicle is
being guided to the destination. (Means of Solving the Problems) A
vehicle warning system comprises: an obstacle sensor for detecting
approach of an obstacle to a vehicle; tactile
information-generating elements for notifying a driver of the
obstacle information based on the information of the obstacle
sensor; and a controller for controlling the actuation of the
tactile information-generating elements. The tactile
information-generating elements are installed in a cushion of a
driver seat with a fore-and-aft arrangement and/or a left-right
arrangement. The controller controls the tactile
information-generating elements based on the information from the
obstacle sensor and information as to any of a steering
wheel-sensor, a winker-sensor, a brake-sensor, and a
vehicle-speedometer.
Inventors: |
Osaka; Tadashi; (Kashiwa,
JP) ; Ichinose; Ryoko; (Tsukuba, JP) ;
Yoshida; Kazushi; (Kasumigaura, JP) ; Horii;
Youichi; (Mitaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CROWELL & MORING LLP;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP
P.O. BOX 14300
WASHINGTON
DC
20044-4300
US
|
Assignee: |
Hitachi, Ltd.
Chiyoda-ku
JP
|
Family ID: |
36315768 |
Appl. No.: |
11/252582 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/435 ;
340/407.1; 340/691.2; 340/988 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01C 21/3697 20130101;
B60Q 9/006 20130101; B60W 2554/00 20200201; G01C 21/3652 20130101;
G08G 1/166 20130101; B60W 50/16 20130101; G08G 1/165 20130101; B60N
2002/981 20180201; B60W 2556/50 20200201; B60Q 9/008 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/435 ;
340/691.2; 340/407.1; 340/988 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 1/00 20060101
B60Q001/00; H04B 3/36 20060101 H04B003/36; G08B 3/00 20060101
G08B003/00; G08G 1/123 20060101 G08G001/123 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 20, 2004 |
JP |
2004-305890 |
Claims
1. A vehicle-warning system comprising: an obstacle sensor for
detecting approach of an obstacle to a vehicle; tactile
information-generating elements for providing tactile information
as a cue to a driver based on information of said obstacle sensor;
and a controller for controlling said tactile
information-generating elements, wherein tactile
information-generating elements are installed in a cushion of a
driver seat with a fore-and-aft arrangement and/or a left-right
arrangement, said obstacle sensor is used for measuring a distance
from said obstacle and a relative velocity of the obstacle as
viewed from the vehicle, and said controller controls said tactile
information-generating elements based on the information from the
obstacle sensor and information as to any of a steering
wheel-sensor, a winker-sensor, a brake-sensor, and a
vehicle-speedometer.
2. A vehicle warning system comprising: a car navigation system for
guiding a vehicle along a route up to a destination; tactile
information-generating elements for providing tactile information
as a cue to a driver based on information from said car navigation
system, and a controller for controlling tactile
information-generating elements, wherein said tactile
information-generating elements are installed in a cushion of a
driver seat with a fore-and-aft arrangement and/or a left-right
arrangement, said car navigation system outputs a route-direction
information for guidance, and said controller controls said tactile
information-generating elements based on said route-direction
information from said car navigation system and information from a
winker for outputting right/left turn signal.
3. The vehicle warning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
said tactile information-generating elements are installed in a
cushion like-device put on the driver seat.
4. The vehicle warning system according to claim 1 or 3, wherein
said controller executes control for selecting some tactile
information-generating elements to be actuated out of all the
elements or for changing actuating timings of said tactile
information-generating elements to notify the driver a direction of
an approaching obstacle.
5. The vehicle warning system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
said controller executes control for selecting some tactile
information-generating elements to be actuated out of all the
elements or for changing actuating timings of said tactile
information-generating elements to notify the driver a vehicle
guide-direction issued by said car navigation system.
6. The vehicle warning system according to claim 1 or 3, wherein
said controller determines whether or not the driver has recognized
approach of said obstacle, according to an output of brake
information of whether or not a brake pedal has been pressed and/or
according to an output of information from said winker or steering
wheel of whether or not the vehicle intends to travel in the
direction where an obstacle is present; wherein, if it has been
determined that the approach of said obstacle has not yet been
recognized, said tactile information-generating-elements are
actuated to issue a warning by said controller; whereas, if it has
been determined that the approach of said obstacle has been
recognized, said tactile information-generating-elements are not
actuated.
7. The vehicle warning system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein
said controller determines whether or not the driver has recognized
the guidance of said car navigation system from the right/left turn
signal of said winker; and, if it has been determined that the
driver has not recognized the guidance of said car navigation
system, said tactile information-generating elements are actuated
to issue a warning by said controller; whereas, if it has been
determined that the driver has recognized the guidance of said car
navigation system, said tactile information-generating elements are
not actuated.
8. The vehicle warning system according to claim 7, wherein, if
there is no agreement between the right/left turn signal in the
direction information of said car navigation system and the
right/left turn signal outputted from the winker, said tactile
information-generating elements are actuated so as to issue the
tactile information corresponding to the direction guided by said
car navigation system; whereas, if there is agreement between them,
the operation of the tactile information-generating elements are
not actuated.
9. The vehicle warning system according to claim 1 or 3, wherein, a
determination of whether or not said tactile information-generating
elements should issue the tactile information as a warning to
notify the approach of said obstacle to the vehicle, is executed by
comparing the obstacle-approach distance with a determination
criterion distance; and said determination criterion distance is
adjusted in according to the traveling speed of the vehicle, in
such a way that the determination criterion distance is reduced or
increased as the traveling speed is reduced or increased,
respectively.
10. The vehicle warning system according to claim 1, 2 or 3,
wherein said tactile information-generating elements are controlled
by said controller through radio.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle warning system
for exerting tactile information such as vibration or pressure on a
driver when notifying the driver of an approaching obstacle or
guiding the driver to a destination by connection with a car
navigation system.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] The conventional system for warning a driver of an
approaching obstacle through detection of an obstacle is disclosed
in Japanese Application Patent Laid-Open Publication No. Hei
9-164858 (Patent Document 1). The system described in Patent
Document 1 is equipped with a sensor for detecting the status of an
object to be detected and a plurality of vibrators installed on a
vehicle part in contact with a driver. These vibrators issue a
warning with vibration and exert the vibration on the driver to
notify contents of the warning to the driver. The selection of some
vibrators to be actuated or timing of driving the vibrators is
controlled according to the result of detection by the sensor.
[0005] The conventional system that uses vibration to notify
approach of an obstacle including another vehicle from all
directions (right/left and back/forth directions) is disclosed in
Japanese Application Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-225877
(Patent Document 2). The system shown in Patent Document 2 contains
a plurality of obstacle detecting sensors, a pair of vibrators
provided on a seat cushion with a left-right arrangement, and a
vibrator provided on the back seat. It is designed to actuate the
corresponding vibrators out of all vibrators according to the
direction of obstacle detection.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0006] In these previously known systems, the system in patent
document 1 is described that the information as to an
obstacle-approaching direction is notified to drivers by
sequentially switching a plurality of vibrators to be actuated.
This arrangement requires many vibrators to be installed, and will
lead to a cost increase. Further, the driver is required to
memorize various sequential switching patterns for actuating
vibrators in connection with an obstacle-detection in the front and
rear. According to this arrangement, the driver can not identify
easily intuitively the approaching position of the obstacle.
Further, even when the driver has already been aware of an
obstacle, since the vibrators are actuated immediately when the
sensor detects an obstacle, this causes discomfort to the
driver.
[0007] The system in patent document 2 warns of the approach of an
obstacle in right/left and back/forth directions to the vehicle
from all directions, using a pair of vibration generators provided
on the right and left of the seat-cushion and one vibration
generator provided on the seat back. The actuating states of the
vibrators are changed in response to the traveling state of the
vehicle. When an obstacle sensor detects an obstacle located in the
rear during the traveling of the vehicle, the vibrators on the
right and left of the seat-cushions are actuated. At the time of
parking of the vehicle, the vibrators on the right and left of the
seat-cushion and the vibrators on the seat back are actuated. As
described above, the vibrators to be actuated are changed in
response to the traveling state of the vehicle. This may cause the
driver to be confused. Further, when the driver has taken action to
avoid collision, the drive gains of the vibrators are reduced.
However, even if the driver has been aware of an approaching
obstacle from the beginning, the vibrators are driven. This will
give an unpleasant feeling to the driver.
[0008] The present invention is to provide a vehicle warning system
capable of ensuring easy identification of an approaching object by
the driver, or guiding the driver to a destination by a car
navigation system by allowing the driver to keep watching ahead.
And the system doesn't issue a warning if the driver has recognized
that there is an approaching obstacle or his vehicle is being
guided to the destination.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0009] The present invention is characterized by the following
structure:
[0010] A vehicle warning system comprises: an obstacle sensor for
detecting approach of an obstacle to a vehicle;
[0011] tactile information-generating elements for notifying a
driver of the obstacle information based on the information of the
obstacle sensor; and
[0012] a controller for controlling the actuation of the tactile
information-generating elements. The tactile information-generating
elements are installed in a cushion of a driver seat with a
fore-and-aft arrangement and/or a left-right arrangement. The
obstacle sensor is used for measuring the distance from the
obstacle and relative velocity of the obstacle as viewed from the
vehicle. The controller controls the tactile information-generating
elements based on the information from the obstacle sensor and
information as to any of a steering wheel-sensor, a winker-sensor,
a brake-sensor, and a vehicle-speedometer.
[0013] Another vehicle warning system comprises:
[0014] a car navigation system for guiding a vehicle along a route
up to a destination;
[0015] tactile information-generating elements for providing
tactile information as a cue to a driver based on information from
the car navigation system, and
[0016] a controller for controlling tactile information-generating
elements.
[0017] The tactile information-generating elements are installed in
a cushion of a driver seat with a fore-and-aft arrangement and/or a
left-right arrangement, the car navigation system outputs a
route-direction information for guidance. The controller controls
the tactile information-generating elements based on said
route-direction information from the car navigation system and
information from a winker for outputting right/left turn
signal.
Effects of the Invention
[0018] The present invention ensures easy identification of an
approaching object by the driver, and guides the driver to a
destination by a car navigation system by allowing the driver to
keep watching ahead.
[0019] The present invention also ensures that a warning is not
issued if the driver has been aware of the approaching obstacle or
the guide to the destination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a drawing representing the schematic structure of
the vehicle provided with a vehicle warning system as an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a drawing representing the schematic structure of
the car seat provided with the vehicle warning system of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a drawing representing another example of the
structure of the car seat provided with a plurality of tactile
information-generating elements;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a drawing representing the structure of the
vibrator as an example of the tactile information-generating
elements of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the structure of a solenoid as
an example of the tactile information-generating element of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the structure of the seat
equipped with vibrators as tactile information-generating
elements;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the structure of the seat
equipped with solenoids as tactile information-generating
elements;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the structure of the seat
equipped with Peltier devices as tactile information-generating
elements;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the outline of the cushion-like
device equipped with the tactile information-generating elements as
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the cushion-like device as an
embodiment of the present invention installed on the seat;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a block diagram representing the structure of a
control system in the vehicle warning system as an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a drawing representing the structure of the
steering wheel used in the vehicle as an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a block diagram representing the structure of
another control system in a vehicle warning system of the present
invention;
[0033] FIG. 14 is a diagram representing the correspondence between
the information from the obstacle sensors and car navigation
system, and the tactile information-generating elements to be
driven as an embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the drive mode in
the tactile information-generating element as an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of the drive
mode in the tactile information-generating element as an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the first drive mode when
driving two of the tactile information-generating elements as an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the second drive mode when
driving two of the tactile information-generating elements as an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the third drive mode when
driving two of the tactile information-generating elements as an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the fourth drive mode when
driving two of the tactile information-generating elements as an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the fifth drive mode when
driving two of the tactile information-generating elements as an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 22 is a flowchart representing the operation of warning
an approaching obstacle in an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 23 is a flowchart representing the algorithm for
detecting an obstacle by means of an obstacle sensor as an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 24 is a diagram representing the relationship between
the determined distance as the criteria for determining the
distance between the vehicle and obstacle, and the vehicle
traveling speed;
[0044] FIG. 25 is a flowchart representing the algorithm for
determining whether or not the driver has identified the presence
of an obstacle;
[0045] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the relationship between the
distance from the obstacle and the frequency for driving the
tactile information-generating element;
[0046] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the change in the stopping time
denoting the tactile information-generating element drive interval,
in response to the distance from the obstacle;
[0047] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the method of changing the time
for driving the tactile information-generating element, in response
to the distance from the obstacle;
[0048] FIG. 29 is a flowchart representing the procedure of guiding
to a destination;
[0049] FIG. 30 is a flowchart representing an example of the second
operation for warning the driver of an approaching obstacle, using
the tactile information-generating element of the present
embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of the structure
wherein the tactile information-generating elements as an
embodiment of the present invention are installed at two positions
on the right and left of the seat; and
[0051] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of the structure
wherein the tactile information-generating elements as an
embodiment of the present invention are installed at two positions
in the front and rear.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Best Form of Embodiment of the Present Invention
[0052] The vehicle warning system of the present invention will be
described in details with reference to FIGS. 1 through 32. In the
vehicle warning system of the present invention, a plurality of
tactile information-generating elements are installed in the upper
portion of the driver seat. These tactile information-generating
elements are actuated to notify the driver of the approach of
another car or an obstacle, or are connected with a car navigation
system to guide the driver to a destination.
[0053] FIG. 1 is a drawing representing the overview of the vehicle
provided with a vehicle warning system of the present invention.
The vehicle is a general automobile, the warning system provided
thereof will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in
FIG. 1, the vehicle is equipped with an obstacle sensor 2
(Specifically, a plurality of obstacle sensors 2a through 2h are
provided) for detecting the approach of an obstacle to the vehicle
warning system, and a car navigation system 25 for guiding the
driver to a destination.
[0054] To detect approach of an obstacle to the vehicle from
left-and-right and fore-and aft directions, the obstacle sensors 2
are mounted at least four positions of a body 1 of the vehicle. In
order to detect at least one obstacle located forwards on the right
and left, and backwards on the right and left of the vehicle, the
obstacle sensors 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d are installed forwards on the
right and left, and backwards on the right and left of the body 1.
Further, in order to expand the range of detecting the approach of
an obstacle to the vehicle, obstacle sensors 2e, 2f, 2g and 2h can
be added, as shown in FIG. 1, to the aforementioned sensors 2a, 2b,
2c, and 2d. The following describes the case where four obstacle
sensors are mounted. The following description also may apply to
the case where more than four obstacle sensors are mounted.
[0055] Each obstacle sensors 2 is used to detect various obstacles
such as approaching-obstacles (including the wall of a building
when the vehicle is put into a garage), other cars or passengers.
The sensor 2 measures a distance from the obstacle and a relative
velocity of the obstacle as viewed from the vehicle. The relative
velocity can be obtained by measuring the positions between the
vehicle with the sensor 2 and the obstacle at the present and past
time points. A millimeter wave radar is used as the obstacle sensor
2, for example. However, others can be used if the same advantages
can be obtained.
[0056] The car navigation system 25 is mounted on the console
portion of the vehicle. When a destination has been inputted by a
driver, the car navigation system 25 selects the optimum route and
guides the driver to the destination. A voice instruction or a
display instruction on the liquid crystal display of the car
navigation system 25 is used to guide the driver to the
destination. The car navigation system 25 ensures that the
information of direction to reach the destination (right/left
turns) is outputted to the outside.
[0057] FIG. 2 is a drawing representing the car seat provided with
the vehicle warning system of the present invention. In FIG. 2, a
plurality of tactile information-generating elements 4
(specifically denoted by 4a through 4d in FIG. 2) are disposed on
the surface of a seat 3. These tactile information-generating
elements 4 are arranged so as to be in contact with the buttocks
and femoral region. These tactile information-generating elements 4
are actuated to notify of tactile information. Further, at least
four tactile information-generating elements 4 (4a through 4d in
FIG. 2) are installed to corresponds to the obstacle sensors 2a,
2b, 2c, and 2d mounted on the body 1. However, more than four
tactile information-generating elements 4 can be installed, as
shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a drawing representing other examples of
the car seat provided with a plurality of tactile
information-generating elements. The following describes the case
where four tactile information-generating elements 4 are
installed.
[0058] When each of tactile information-generating elements 4a, 4b,
4c and 4d has been driven, it is preferable that the driver can
more easily identify which of the tactile information-generating
elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d forwards on the right and left, and
backwards on the right and left is driven. For that reason, they
are arranged in positions as far as possible from one another. All
the tactile information-generating elements 4 are arranged so as to
be able to contact with the driver.
[0059] FIG. 4 is a drawing representing the structure of the
vibrator as an example of the tactile information-generating
elements of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing the
structure of a solenoid as an example of the tactile
information-generating elements of the present invention. Each
tactile information-generating element 4 has an eccentric member 6
driven by a motor 5 shown in FIG. 4, and vibration is produced by
the centrifugal force of the eccentric member 6. Hereinafter, a
structure of one tactile information-generating element
representatively expressed. Instead of such a structure, it is also
possible to make such arrangement that the tactile information
generating elements 4 applies pressure to the driver by a linear
actuator such as a solenoid 8 shown in FIG. 5. The solenoid 8 shown
in FIG. 5 generates a magnetic force by energizing a coil 9 by the
drive circuit 10 which is connected to across the coil 9. A plunger
11 as a soft magnetic material is inserted into the coil 9. When
energizing the coil 9, the plunger 11 is pulled up to produce the
pressure for tactile information.
[0060] Further, the tactile information-generating elements 4 can
be so designed as to make the driver feel temperature changes. For
example, a Peltier device 12 can be used (FIG. 8) for them. The
temperature of the Peltier device 12 is increased or decreased,
thereby tactile information is provided to the driver.
[0061] As described above, it is sufficient only if the tactile
information-generating elements 4 can inform to the driver the
position where the tactile information has been applied on the
surface of the seat 3. As long as the same effect can be obtained,
other structures can be used.
[0062] The tactile information-generating elements 4 are capable of
changing respective drive frequencies and drive forces. The drive
frequency and drive force of each tactile information-generating
element 4 is changed according to the distance between the vehicle
and an obstacle. This will be described in detail later. For
example, if the distance between the obstacle and vehicle is short,
the drive frequency and drive force of the tactile
information-generating element 4 are increased. If this distance is
longer, the drive frequency and drive force of the tactile
information-generating element 4 are decreased. This arrangement
allows the driver to roughly estimate the distance from the
obstacle.
[0063] Plural tactile information-generating elements 4 for
providing the tactile information to the driver, are preferably
disposed at the position constantly in contact with the driver
during driving. Because, even if the elements 4 attempt to actuate
the tactile information-generating elements 4 and to provide the
tactile information, a warning cannot be informed if the driver is
not in contact with the tactile information-generating elements 4.
To solve this problem, the tactile information-generating elements
4 are disposed on the surface of the seat 3, as described above.
The tactile information-generating elements 4 could be installed in
the backrest. However, when the drive makes the vehicle back, for
example, at the time of putting away his car in the garage, his
back is turned on the backrest in non-contact with the backrest.
The tactile information-generating elements 4 could be mounted on
the steering wheel 8. However, the position of the steering wheel 8
to be held may be different depending on each driver, and the
steering wheel 8 may be operated by one hand. With consideration
given to the aforementioned points, the tactile
information-generating elements 4 are preferably mounted on the
surface of the seat 3 as in the present embodiment.
[0064] When the tactile information-generating elements 4 are
provided on the surface of the seat 3, they are easily associated
with a fore-and-aft arrangement and/or a left-right arrangement
relative to the vehicle. The obstacle sensor 2a on the left front
of the vehicle-body shown in FIG. 1 is associated with the tactile
information-generating element 4a on the left front shown in FIG.
2; the obstacle sensor 2b on the right front is associated with the
tactile information-generating element 4b on the right front; the
obstacle sensor 2c on the rear left is associated with the tactile
information-generating element 4c on the rear left; and the
obstacle sensor 2d on the rear right is associated with the tactile
information-generating element 4d on the rear right. This
arrangement allows the driver to easily identify the direction in
which an approaching obstacle is located.
[0065] Referring to schematic view showing the cross section of the
seat 3 shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, the following describes the
structure of the seat 3 equipped with the tactile
information-generating element 4 (FIGS. 6 through 8 are
representatively shown one out of the elements 4). FIG. 6 is a
drawing showing the structure of the seat 3 equipped with vibrators
7 as the tactile information-generating element 4. FIG. 7 is a
drawing showing the structure of the seat 3 equipped with solenoids
8 as the tactile information-generating element 4. FIG. 8 is a
drawing showing the structure of the seat 3 equipped with Peltier
devices 12 as the tactile information-generating element 4.
[0066] The structure of the seat 3 equipped with vibrators 7 shown
in FIG. 6 will be described. The vibrators 7 are jointed with a
box-like case 13. The vibrators 7 are enclosed in a case 13 to
ensure that the vibrators 7 do not directly contact the seat cover
14 or a cushion 15 made of soft material. The case 13 is installed
in the cushion 15.
[0067] The following describes the structure of the seat 3 equipped
with the solenoids 8 shown in FIG. 7. The solenoids 8 are jointed
to the case 13 and are enclosed in the case 13 so that the
solenoids 8 will not be brought into contact with the seat cover 14
or cushion 15. The case 13 is installed in the cushion 15.
[0068] A compression spring 16 is mounted on the lower side of the
solenoid 8 illustrated in FIG. 7. The top end of the compression
spring 16 is jointed with the bracket 28 of the solenoid 8, and the
bottom end thereof is joined with the plunger 11 of the solenoid 8.
When the coil 9 of the solenoid 8 is not energized, the plunger 11
is pulled down by the spring force of the compression spring 16.
When the coil 9 of the solenoid 8 is energized, the attraction of
the solenoid 8 becomes greater than the spring force. This setting
allows the plunger 11 to move upward, whereby the driver feels the
pressure.
[0069] The seat cover 14 side of the case 13 (top surface of the
case) is provided with a opening or hole (not illustrated) to
ensure that the plunger 11 of the solenoid 8 moving in the vertical
direction will not brought into contact therewith. This arrangement
allows the plunger 11 to push up the seat cover 14, whereby the
tactile information is provided to the driver. It is also possible
to make such arrangements that the seat cover 14 is provided with a
hole at the position of the plunger 11 of the solenoid 8 so that
the plunger 11 will directly be brought into contact with the
driver.
[0070] The following describes the structure of the seat 3 equipped
with the Peltier device 12 shown in FIG. 8. The Peltier device 12
is jointed with the case 13, which is installed in the cushion 15.
The surface of the case 13 in contact with the seat cover 14 is
left open in order to improve the heat transfer efficiency. The
temperature of the Peltier device on the seat cover side is
increased or decreased corresponding to the direction of the
current flowing to the Peltier device 12. It is also possible to
arrange such a configuration that the direction of the current
flowing to the Peltier device 12 is switched by the right/left turn
signal of the car navigation system or the individual signal of the
obstacle sensor.
[0071] The case 13 shown in FIGS. 6 through 8 is laid out so as to
be brought into contact with the seat cover 14 to ensure that
tactile information of the tactile information-generating elements
4 is correctly provided to the driver. The cushion 15 is equipped
with a concave portion slightly greater than the case 13 and the
case 13 is inserted into the concave portion, whereby the case 13
is set in position. Further, a cushion 15 is arranged between the
lower surface of the case 13 and the lower base 17 of the seat 3 so
that a sufficient distance will be ensured. Arrangements are made
in such a way that the case 13 will not contact the lower base 17
even when the driver is sitting on the seat 3 and the seat 3 has
sunken. This provides the driver with sufficient riding
comfort.
[0072] Although FIGS. 6 through 8 illustrate only one of a
plurality of tactile information-generating elements 4, other
tactile information-generating elements 4 are installed in the same
manner. The tactile information-generating elements 4 are installed
in the cushion 15 as described above. According to this
arrangement, it prevents vibration or heat from being provided to
the other tactile information-generating elements 4, and allows the
driver to correctly identify the position of the tactile
information-generating elements 4 being actuated.
[0073] In the example shown above, reference has been made to the
case where the tactile information-generating element 4 is mounted
on the driver seat 3. The tactile information-generating elements
4a, 4b, 4c and 4d can be installed in a cushion-like device 18
shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the structure in cases
where the tactile information-generating element of the present
invention is mounted on the cushion-like device 18. When the
vehicle warning system of the present invention is to be installed
after purchase of the vehicle, this arrangement allows the driver
to purchase the cushion-like device 18 and to easily install it,
without having to replace the seat 3.
[0074] The structure of the cushion-like device 18 is the same as
the one shown in FIGS. 6 through 8. The cushion-like device 18 is
provided with a mark 19 so that the driver can easily identify the
direction in which the cushion-like device 18 is installed. In FIG.
9, the position indicating the forward direction of the
cushion-like device 18 is provided with the mark 19.
[0075] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the cushion-like device 18
installed on the seat 3. The cushion-like device 18 is installed on
the surface of the seat 3 so that the mark 19 is located in the
forward direction. Thus, the cushion-like device 18 can be easily
set by the driver.
[0076] The following describes the control of the vehicle warning
system as an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to
the block diagram of FIG. 11. The controller 20 for controlling the
vehicle warning system is connected with the obstacle sensors 2a,
2b, 2c and 2d, tactile information-generating elements 4a, 4b, 4c
and 4d, steering wheel 21, winker 22, brake 23, speedometer 24, and
car navigation system 25. The tactile information-generating
elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d are controlled based on the information
of the obstacle sensors 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d, steering wheel 21,
winker 22, brake 23, speedometer 24, and car navigation system
25.
[0077] FIG. 12 is a drawing representing the structure of the
steering wheel used in the vehicle as the embodiment of the present
invention. The steering wheel 21 is provided with a steering angle
sensor 26 for sensing the rotary direction of the steering wheel 21
and the steering angle, and a load application section 27 for
applying load to the steering wheel 21, as shown in FIG. 12. The
steering angle sensor 26 is an encoder, for example. However, other
devices can be used if the same effect can be obtained. The load
application section 27 applies heavy-loads to the steering wheel 21
so as to not be able to operate easily the steering wheel 21. The
load application section 27 is an electromagnetic brake, for
example. However, other devices can be used if the same effect can
be obtained. In the steering wheel 21, the information sensed by
the steering angle sensor 26 (e.g. rotary direction and steering
angle) are sent to the controller 20, and on-off control of the
load application section 27 is executed according to the signal
from the controller 20.
[0078] The winker 22 on the vehicle-body indicates the direction of
right/left turn when the driver operates a lever (not illustrated)
close to the steering wheel, so that drivers of other vehicles are
notified of the direction. In the winker 22, a right/left turn
signal is sent to the controller 20. Further, the brake 23 applies
a braking force when the driver has pressed the brake pedal (not
illustrated). The information on whether or not the driver has
pressed the brake pedal is sent to the controller 20 of the present
invention, as well as to the brake lamp (not illustrated) on the
body 1. The speedometer 24 measures the traveling speed of the
vehicle and indicates it on the console. The information of the
vehicle-traveling speed measured by this speedometer 24 is sent to
the controller 20.
[0079] FIG. 13 is a block diagram representing the structure of
another control system in a vehicle warning system of the present
invention. In the block diagram of FIG. 11, various components are
connected by wired means. As shown in FIG. 13, it is also possible
to arrange such a configuration that a transmitter 28 for
transmitting signals and a receiver 29 for receiving signals are
provided between the tactile information-generating elements 4 and
controller 20, and the tactile information-generating elements 4
are actuated by wireless means such as a radio. When the
transmitter 28 and receiver 29 are installed between the controller
20 and tactile information-generating elements 4, it is possible to
reduce the number of cables for connection between the controller
20 and tactile information-generating elements 4.
[0080] When the cushion-like device 18 shown in FIG. 9 is used on
the wireless type, there is no cable between the controller 20 and
tactile information-generating elements 4. This ensures easy
removal of the cushion-like device 18.
[0081] The following describes the correspondence between the
information from the obstacle sensors 2 and car navigation system
25 and the tactile information-generating elements 4 to be actuated
based on the information, with reference to FIG. 14.
[0082] When an approaching obstacle is located forwards on the
left, the obstacle is detected by the obstacle sensor 2a and the
tactile information-generating element 4a is actuated. When the
approaching obstacle is located forwards on the right, the obstacle
is detected by the obstacle sensor 2b and the tactile
information-generating element 4b is actuated. When the approaching
obstacle is located backwards on the left, the obstacle is detected
by the obstacle sensor 2c and the tactile information-generating
element 4c is actuated. When the approaching obstacle is located
backwards on the right, the obstacle is detected by the obstacle
sensor 2d and the tactile information-generating element 4d is
actuated. When the approaching obstacle is located in front, the
obstacle is detected by the obstacle sensors 2a and 2b, and the
tactile information-generating elements 4a and 4b are actuated.
When the approaching obstacle is located in the rear, the obstacle
is detected by the obstacle sensors 2c and 2d, and the tactile
information-generating elements 4c and 4d are actuated. When the
approaching obstacle is located on the left, the obstacle is
detected by the obstacle sensors 2a and 2c, and the tactile
information-generating elements 4a and 4c are actuated. When the
approaching obstacle is located on the right, the obstacle is
detected by the obstacle sensors 2b and 2d, and the tactile
information-generating elements 4b and 4d are actuated.
[0083] In the controller 20, when a left-turn signal for guiding
the left-turn has been received from the car navigation system 25,
the tactile information-generating elements 4a and 4c are actuated.
When a right-turn signal for guiding the right-turn has been
received from the car navigation system 25, the tactile
information-generating elements 4b and 4d are actuated.
[0084] When a drive instruction is given from the controller 20,
the corresponding tactile information-generating elements 4 can be
actuated continuously as shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 16, in
the corresponding tactile information-generating elements 4, the
mode of repeating the actuation T0 and stop T1 is also acceptable.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the drive mode in the
tactile information-generating element as an embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example of
the drive mode in the tactile information-generating element as an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0085] To ensure that the driver will not confuse the information
on an approaching obstacle with the information from the car
navigation system 25, the drive mode of the tactile
information-generating element 4 is changed. For example, when an
approaching obstacle is located on the left, the tactile
information-generating elements 4a and 4c are actuated
simultaneously. It is possible to use continuous actuation as shown
in FIG. 17 (the first mode for actuating the two tactile
information-generating elements of the present embodiment). It is
also possible to repeat the actuating/stop procedure as shown in
FIG. 18 (the second mode for driving the two tactile
information-generating elements of the present embodiment). The
tactile information-generating elements A and B shown in FIGS. 17
and 18 correspond to tactile information-generating elements 4a and
4c, respectively. When a left turn signal has been received from
the car navigation system 25, the tactile information-generating
elements 4a and 4c are actuated alternately as shown in FIG. 19
(the third mode for driving the two tactile information-generating
elements of the present embodiment). The tactile
information-generating elements A and B shown in FIG. 19 correspond
to tactile information-generating elements 4a and 4c, respectively.
The aforementioned procedure allows the driver to easily identify
the information on an approaching obstacle and the information from
the car navigation system 25.
[0086] The following describes an example of the method of
actuating the tactile information-generating element when an
approaching obstacle is located in the front. In FIG. 14, the
fore-tactile information-generating elements 4a and 4b of the seat
3 is actuated when an approaching obstacle is located in the front.
Instead of it, the tactile information can be notified using the
tactile information-generating elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d. FIG. 20
(the fourth mode for actuating two of the two tactile
information-generating elements of the present embodiment) shows
the method of driving the tactile information-generating elements 4
when a warning is issued by using the tactile
information-generating elements 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d. The tactile
information-generating element A of FIG. 20 corresponds to the
tactile information-generating elements 4a and 4b, and the tactile
information-generating element B corresponds to the tactile
information-generating elements 4c and 4d. In this arrangement, the
information on the approaching obstacle in front is notified by
changing the timing of actuating the fore-tactile
information-generating elements 4a and 4b at the seat 3 and the
aft-tactile information-generating elements 4c and 4d, as shown in
FIG. 20. In this case, by providing the interval time T3 where all
the tactile information-generating elements are not actuated, the
driver easily can identify actuating patterns of the tactile
information-generating elements 4. If the T3 is not provided, it is
difficult for the driver to identify which of the tactile
information-generating elements 4 was actuated first. Accordingly,
in this case, it is difficult to identify the drive patterns of the
tactile information-generating elements 4.
[0087] Additionally, when the approaching obstacle is located in
the rear, on the left or on the right, or when a right/left turn
signal has been received from the car navigation system 25, the
tactile information-generating element 4 can be operated in the
same manner as in the above case. When the approaching obstacle is
found in the rear, the tactile information-generating element A is
actuated as tactile information-generating elements 4c and 4d, and
the tactile information-generating element B is actuated as the
tactile information-generating elements 4a and 4b. When the
approaching obstacle is found on the right, the tactile
information-generating element A is driven as tactile
information-generating elements 4b and 4d, and the tactile
information-generating element B is driven as the tactile
information-generating elements 4a and 4c. When the approaching
obstacle is found on the left, the tactile information-generating
element A is driven as tactile information-generating elements 4a
and 4c and the tactile information-generating element B is driven
as the tactile information-generating elements 4b and 4d.
[0088] When a right turn signal has been received from the car
navigation system 25, the tactile information-generating element A
is actuated as tactile information-generating element 4a, and then
the tactile information-generating element B is actuated as the
tactile information-generating element 4b. (When a right turn
signal has been received, the tactile information is generated from
the element 4a to the elements 4b with the passage of time, and the
driver is prompted to turn to the right.) When a left turn signal
has been received from the car navigation system 25, the tactile
information-generating element A is actuated as tactile
information-generating element 4b, and then the tactile
information-generating element B is actuated as the tactile
information-generating element 4a. In this case as well, the
actuating method of the tactile information-generating elements 4
are changed in order to ensure that the driver will not confuse the
information on the approaching obstacle with the information from
the car navigation system 25.
[0089] In the tactile information-generating elements 4, the
actuating time for any tactile information-generating element 4 at
the position to be enhanced may be set longer than for other
tactile information-generating elements 4, as shown in FIG. 21 (the
fifth mode for actuating the two tactile information-generating
elements of the present embodiment). For example, when the right
turn signal has been received from the car navigation system 25,
the tactile information-generating element A of FIG. 21 is actuated
as the tactile information-generating element 4a, and then the
tactile information-generating element B is actuated as the tactile
information-generating element 4b, wherein the tactile
information-generating element 4b is actuated in an enhanced
manner.
[0090] Additionally, when the approaching obstacle is found in
front, in the rear, on the left or on the right, or when a left
turn signal has been received from the car navigation system 25,
the tactile information-generating elements 4 can be operated in
the same manner as above. When the approaching obstacle is found in
front, the tactile information-generating element A is actuated as
the tactile information-generating elements 4c and 4d, and the
tactile information-generating element B is actuated as the tactile
information-generating elements 4a and 4b. When the approaching
obstacle is found in the rear, the tactile information-generating
element A is actuated as the tactile information-generating
elements 4a and 4b, and the tactile information-generating element
B are actuated as the tactile information-generating elements 4c
and 4d. When the approaching obstacle is found on the right, the
tactile information-generating element A is actuated as the tactile
information-generating elements 4a and 4c, and the tactile
information-generating element B is actuated as the tactile
information-generating elements 4b and 4d. When the approaching
obstacle is found on the left, the tactile information-generating
element A is actuated as the tactile information-generating
elements 4b and 4d, and the tactile information-generating element
B is actuated as the tactile information-generating elements 4a and
4c. When a left turn signal has been received from the car
navigation system 25, the tactile information-generating element 4
is actuated as the tactile information-generating element 4b, and
the tactile information-generating element B is actuated as the
tactile information-generating element 4a.
[0091] As described above, when an approaching obstacle is found in
front, in the rear, on the left or on the right, or when a
right/left turn signal has been received from the car navigation
system 25, the tactile information can be informed to the driver as
cues by changing the position (4a through 4d in FIG. 14) of any
tactile information-generating element 4 to be actuated, and the
actuated timing (FIGS. 17 through 21).
[0092] The vehicle warning system as an embodiment of the present
invention employs tactile information to warn the driver of the
approaching obstacle to the vehicle and to guide the driver to the
destination through the car navigation system 25.
[0093] According to prior art practice, a voice or visual display
on the console has often been used to notify an approaching
obstacle. If voice is used for warning, the driver may not be able
to catch a warning when listening to a car stereo or the like with
comparatively high volume. If the warning is visual-displayed on
the console, the driver has to shift his eyes to watch the console
in order to recognize the approaching obstacle. Even if the driver
has shifted the eyes to watch the console, some time is required to
shift the eyes. This leads to a delay in avoiding the obstacle.
Further, the warning devices based on tactile information having
been proposed in recent years fail to allow a driver to easily
identify the position of an approaching obstacle.
[0094] On the other hand, in the vehicle warning system of the
present embodiment, the tactile information-generating element(s) 4
corresponding to the position of the approaching obstacle is
actuated. This allows the driver to easily identify the position of
the vehicle where the obstacle is approaching, and to take
immediate action to avoid the obstacle. The approach of an obstacle
to be detected by the vehicle warning system of the present
invention includes: approach of another car when changing the
traffic lane, approach of an obstacle such as another car by
looking aside while driving, approach of an obstacle at an
intersection where it is hard to see ahead, approach of an
motorcycle or passenger backwards on the left when turning to the
left, and approach of an obstacle when putting away the car in a
garage.
[0095] The tactile information-generating element 4 is actuated in
conformity to the destination by connection with the car navigation
system 25, thereby guiding the driver to the destination. The
vehicle warning system of the present embodiment does not use voice
for the guide, and therefore, it does not occur that the driver
fails to hear such vocal information. Further, the driver need not
shift his eyes to watch the display of the car navigation system
25. This ensures the driver to concentrate his attention to driving
to reach the destination.
[0096] The following describes the operation of the vehicle warning
system of the present embodiment. The following description refers
to only a pair of obstacle sensors 2 and tactile
information-generating elements 4. The same description applies to
other obstacle sensors 2 and tactile information-generating
elements 4 as well. The correspondence among the obstacle sensors
2, car navigation systems 25 and tactile information-generating
elements 4 conforms to the above description.
[0097] FIG. 22 is a flowchart representing the operation flow for
warning an approaching obstacle in an embodiment of the present
invention. In FIG. 22, an ignition switch is turned on in Step 101
and the engine starts. In Step 102, all the tactile
information-generating elements 4 are actuated for a predetermined
time. When all the tactile information-generating elements 4 are
operating, there is no problem with the vehicle warning system.
This allows the driver to confirm that the vehicle warning system
is normal. Monitoring of obstacle by the obstacle sensors 2 is
initiated in Step 103.
[0098] If the ignition switch is turned off and the engine is
stopped in Step 104, the system goes to Step 109 to terminate
control of the vehicle warning system. If the engine is not stopped
in Step 104, a decision is made in Step 105 to see if the obstacle
has been detected by the obstacle sensors 2 or not. Details of this
decision in obstacle detection will be described later.
[0099] When the obstacle is away from the vehicle and is not yet
detected in Step 105, the system goes to Step 104. When the
obstacle is located close to the vehicle and has been detected in
Step 105, a decision is made in Step 106 to determine whether or
not the driver has identified the obstacle. Details of this
decision in obstacle detection will be described later.
[0100] When it has been determined in Step 106 that the driver has
already identified the obstacle, the tactile information-generating
element 4 is stopped in Step 108, and the system goes to Step 104.
When the tactile information-generating element 4 has not been
started, it is kept stopped. When it has been determined in Step
106 that the driver has not yet identified the obstacle, the
corresponding tactile information-generating element(s) 4 is(are)
actuated in Step 107 and the system goes to Step 106.
[0101] Detection of an obstacle by the obstacle sensors 2 in Step
105 is performed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 23. FIG.
23 is a flowchart representing the algorithm for detecting an
obstacle by means of an obstacle sensor as an embodiment of the
present invention. This operation flow is performed by the
controller 20, based on the distance from the obstacle and relative
velocity of the obstacle as viewed from the vehicle detected by the
obstacle sensor 2.
[0102] In Step 201, a decision is made to see whether or not the
distance from the obstacle is smaller than a predetermined value.
When it has been determined in Step 201 that it is greater than the
predetermined value, a decision is made in Step 204 that the
obstacle is away from the vehicle. When it has been determined in
Step 201 that the distance from the obstacle is smaller than the
predetermined value, a decision is made in Step 202 to see whether
or not the obstacle is coming closer to the vehicle. The relative
velocity measured by the obstacle sensors 2 is used to determine
whether or not the obstacle is coming closer to the vehicle. The
relative velocity is determined by the difference in the distances
between the vehicle and obstacle at past and present points. If the
relative velocity of the obstacle as viewed from the vehicle is
negative, a decision is made to determine that the vehicle is
coming closer to the obstacle. Assume, for example, that the own
vehicle speed is V2 and that of another vehicle as the obstacle is
V1. The relative velocity is represented by vector V1-vector V2. If
the vehicle traveling at 80 km/hour comes closer to another
opposite car running at 100 km/hour, the relative velocity is
-100-80=-180.
[0103] When it has been determined in Step 202 that the distance
from an obstacle is reducing (negative relative velocity), a
decision is made in Step 203 that the obstacle is coming closer to
the vehicle. When it has been determined in Step 202 that the
vehicle is not coming closer to the obstacle, a decision is made in
Step 204 that the obstacle is located away from the vehicle.
[0104] As described above, when the distance from the obstacle is
small and is being reduced, a decision step is taken to determine
that the obstacle has come close to the vehicle. Monitoring of an
approaching obstacle is executed for all the obstacle sensors 2
mounted on the body 1. This is executed repeatedly at a
predetermined sampling cycle. The shorter the sampling cycle, the
better the obstacle detection performance.
[0105] The predetermined distance as the criteria for determining
the distance between the vehicle and obstacle in Step 201 is
changed according to the vehicle traveling speed as shown in FIG.
24. The traveling speed is sent to the controller 20 from the
speedometer 24. If the vehicle traveling speed is low, the
determination criterion distance is reduced. If the vehicle
traveling speed is high, the determination criterion distance is
increased. This arrangement is the result of taking into accounts
the relationship between the vehicle traveling speed and a required
braking distance. Generally, if the vehicle traveling speed is
high, the braking distance is long. If the vehicle traveling speed
is low, the braking distance is short. This is because a warning
will be useless if the driver cannot avoid collision with an
obstacle even if taking a collision avoidance operation subsequent
to warning.
[0106] If a comparative short determination criterion distance is
applied when traveling on an expressway, and the criterion distance
is about same as non-expressway case, an obstacle is hardly
detected by the vehicle warning system. Because the required
detecting distance from the obstacle is long in the normal
traveling mode on the expressway. If an obstacle should have been
detected, collision with the obstacle cannot be avoided since a
sufficient braking distance cannot be ensured. On the other hand, a
comparative long determination criterion distance is applied when
the vehicle is parked into a garage, all the obstacles around the
garage will be detected and a warning will be issued by the vehicle
warning system at all times. This will lead to driver discomfort.
This requires the determination criterion distance to be changed in
conformity to the traveling speed. When the traveling speed is V or
less as shown in FIG. 24, the determination criterion distance is
set to 1. This arrangement allows an approaching obstacle to be
detected even when the vehicle is parked. FIG. 24 is a diagram
representing the relationship between the determination criterion
distance between the vehicle and obstacle, and the vehicle
traveling speed.
[0107] The flowchart of FIG. 25 will be used to explain the
decision in Step 106 shown in FIG. 22 in determining whether or not
the driver has identified the approach of an obstacle. FIG. 25 is a
flowchart representing the algorithm for determining whether or not
the driver has identified the approach of an obstacle.
[0108] In Step 301, a decision is made to see whether or not the
driver has pressed the brake pedal. This is done by the controller
20 receiving the signal on whether or not the brake pedal has been
pressed. When it has been determined in Step 301 that the driver
has pressed the brake pedal, then a decision is made in Step 304
that the driver has identified the approaching obstacle. When it
has been determined in Step 301 that the driver has not pressed the
brake pedal, a decision is made in Step 302 to see whether or not
the vehicle is making an attempt to turn in the direction where
there is no obstacle. The information from the winker 22 or the
steering angle sensor 26 of the steering wheel 21 and the
information from the obstacle sensors 2 are received by the
controller 20, where a decision is made.
[0109] When a decision is made in Step 302 to determine that the
vehicle is making an attempt to turn in the direction where there
is no obstacle, then a decision is made in Step 304 that the driver
has recognized the approaching obstacle. When a decision is made in
Step 302 to determine that the vehicle is making an attempt to turn
in the direction where there is an obstacle, then a decision is
made in Step 303 that the driver has not yet recognized the
approaching obstacle.
[0110] As described above, whether or not any tactile
information-generating element(s) 4 should be driven or not is
determined by whether or not the driver has recognized the presence
of the obstacle. If the driver has not recognized the presence of
the obstacle, a warning is issued by the vehicle warning system. If
the driver has already recognized the presence of the obstacle, a
warning is not issued by the vehicle warning system. Whenever an
approaching obstacle to the vehicle has been detected, a warning
can be issued by the vehicle warning system. However, if warning is
issued despite the driver having recognized the presence of the
approaching obstacle, the driver will feel unpleasant. Accordingly,
warning is not issued from the vehicle warning system when the
driver has recognized the approaching obstacle, as described
above.
[0111] As described above, a decision is made to see whether the
corresponding tactile information-generating element(s) 4 should be
actuated or not. Thus, only the required minimum warning is issued.
This arrangement allows the vehicle to be driven without giving
discomfort to the driver.
[0112] In Step 107 of FIG. 22, the actuating condition of the
corresponding tactile information-generating element(s) 4 is
changed in response to the distance from the obstacle. For example,
the actuating (driving) frequency is changed in conformity to the
distance from the obstacle, as shown in FIG. 26. It is also
possible to arrange such a configuration that the actuating time T7
is kept constant and the stopping time T8 through T10 is gradually
reduced with the approach of an obstacle, as shown in FIG. 27.
Alternatively, the actuating time and stopping time may be
gradually reduced with the approach of an obstacle. Or the
actuating time T12 through T15 may be increased with the approach
of the obstacle, as shown in FIG. 28. It is also possible to
arrange such a configuration that the driving force of the tactile
information-generating element 4 is gradually increased, instead of
changing the actuating time of the tactile information-generating
element 4 with the approach of the obstacle.
[0113] The following describes the guide to the destination by
connecting the warning information system with the car navigation
system 25, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 29. FIG. 29 is a
flowchart representing the procedure of guiding to a
destination.
[0114] In Step 401, the ignition switch is turned on and the engine
starts. In Step 402, all the tactile information-generating
elements 4 are actuated for a predetermined period of time. During
the operation of the tactile information-generating elements 4, the
vehicle warning system is under the normal conditions. This allows
the driver to confirm that the vehicle warning system is normal. In
Step 403, the driver uses the car navigation system 25 to set the
destination. In this case, the destination is set using the
controller of the car navigation system 25 or additionally a voice
input device. If the driver does not set the destination in Step
403, the driver is not guided by the vehicle warning system of the
present invention.
[0115] When the ignition switch is turned off to stop the engine in
Step 404, the system goes to Step 405, and control of the warning
system terminates. If the engine is not stopped in Step 404,
information is captured from the car navigation system 25 in Step
406. During the travel of the vehicle, the car navigation system 25
transmits the direction information such as right turn or left turn
information to the controller 20 in response to the destination.
This destination information can be outputted at the timing shown
on the display of the car navigation system 25 or at the timing of
a voice instruction.
[0116] In Step 407, a decision is made to determine whether or not
the direction information of the car navigation system 25 agrees
with the information of the winker 22. This step is executed by the
controller 20 receiving the direction information of the car
navigation system 25 and the information of the winker 22.
[0117] If there is no agreement between the direction information
of the car navigation system 25 and the information of the winker
22 in Step 407, the tactile information-generating elements 4 are
actuated to issue a warning. If there is agreement between the
direction information of the car navigation system 25 and the
information of the winker 22 in Step 407, the tactile
information-generating elements are stopped in Step 409. If the
tactile information-generating elements have been stopped from
starting, they are kept stopped.
[0118] When the tactile information-generating elements have been
actuated in Step 408, the system goes back to Step 407, and a
decision is made to determine whether or not there is agreement
between the direction information of the car navigation system 25
and the information of the winker 22. This arrangement is intended
to stop the tactile information-generating element 4 when the
driver has recognized the tactile information issued from the
tactile information-generating element 4, and has operated the
winker 22 in the direction specified by the car navigation system
25. This allows the warning to be stopped immediately when the
driver has taken notice of the warning, and permits the driver to
drive the vehicle without being displeased.
[0119] To provide the driver the information on the route to reach
the destination, the conventional car navigation system 25 has been
using a voice device or visual display on the car navigation system
25. When the display on the car navigation system 25 is used, the
driver is required to watch the display close to the intersection.
This has prevented the driver from concentrating this attention to
driving, in some cases. Further, when voice is used, the driver may
not be able to catch a warning when listening to a car stereo or
the like with the volume turned up high. On the other hand, if the
tactile information-generating elements 4 provided at the seat 3
are used with the car navigation system 25 to provide the
information to the driver on the route to the destination, the
information for the destination is correctly transmitted to the
driver without forcing the driver to shift his eyes from the front.
Whether the vehicle warning system of the present invention should
be operated or not can be determined by the driver selecting the
switch installed on the console.
[0120] The following describes an example of the second operation
for warning the driver of an approaching obstacle, with reference
to the flowchart of FIG. 30. FIG. 30 is a flowchart representing an
example of the second operation for warning the driver of an
approaching obstacle, using the tactile information-generating
elements of the present embodiment. Processing in Steps 500 through
508 is the same as the processing in Steps 100 through 108 in FIG.
22, and will not be described to avoid duplication.
[0121] The corresponding tactile information-generating element(s)
4 is(are) actuated in Step 507, and, in Step 509, a decision is
made to determine whether or not a predetermined time T has passed
after actuating the tactile information-generating element(s) 4. If
a predetermined time T has not yet passed in Step 509, the system
goes to Step 506, and a decision is made to determine whether or
not the driver has recognized the approaching obstacle. If a
predetermined time T has passed in Step 509, a decision is made in
Step 510 that the vehicle may collide with an obstacle, so that the
vehicle warning system will take action to avoid collision with the
obstacle. Then the system goes back to Step 504.
[0122] To ensure in Step 510 that the vehicle will not collide with
the obstacle, the brake pedal is applied, for example. If the
vehicle comes close to colliding with the obstacle, the brake 23 is
pressed automatically without being pressed by the driver. This is
done by the actuator (not illustrated) receiving a signal from the
controller 20, thereby applying the brake, or by the actuator of
the brake 23 being operated directly. If an approaching obstacle is
found in the rear during the travel of the vehicle, action is taken
not to allow the brake 23 to be applied, in order to avoid
collision from the back.
[0123] If the vehicle, on condition of the driver being unaware of
the presence of an obstacle, is going to turn by operating the
steering wheel to the direction where the obstacle is present, a
load is applied to the steering wheel by the load application
section 27 installed on the steering wheel 21, in such a way that
the driver cannot easily operate the steering wheel 21. If the
vehicle is going to turn to the direction free of any obstacle, no
load is applied to the steering wheel 21, and the steering wheel 21
can be operated as usual.
[0124] As described above, the steering wheel 21 and brake 23 are
controlled, if the driver fails to take action to avoid collision
with the obstacle when a predetermined time T has passed after
actuating the tactile information-generating element 4. This
procedure avoids collision with the obstacle, thereby ensuring
improved safety.
[0125] The following describes the case where more than four
tactile information-generating elements 4 are installed in the seat
3 shown in FIG. 3.
[0126] When more than four tactile information-generating elements
4 are installed, they are placed at four positions to ensure that
the positional relationship of the vehicle in the forward,
backward, right and left directions can be easily identified by the
driver, as shown in FIG. 3. To put it another way, the tactile
information-generating elements 4a-1 through 4a-3 correspond to the
obstacle sensor 2a; the tactile information-generating elements
4b-1 through 4b-3 correspond to the obstacle sensor 2b; the tactile
information-generating elements 4c-1 through 4c-3 correspond to the
obstacle sensor 2c; and the tactile information-generating elements
4d-1 through 4d-3 correspond to the obstacle sensor 2d. In FIG. 3,
twelve tactile information-generating elements 4 are installed.
When they are installed in numbers other than twelve, the same
principle applies.
[0127] When the tactile information-generating elements 4 are
installed as shown in FIG. 3, they are actuated so that the tactile
information is conveyed with rotation to the driver. For example,
when an approaching obstacle is located forwards on the left, the
tactile information-generating elements 4a-1, 4a-2 and 4a-3 are
driven in that order. This procedure allows the driver to easily
identify the approaching obstacle located forwards on the left.
Other tactile information-generating elements are also actuated in
the same way.
[0128] In the example shown in FIG. 3, to warn the approaching
obstacle in the forward, backward, right and left directions of the
vehicle, more than four tactile information-generating elements 4
are installed. When a warning is given about an obstacle located
only on the right and left, tactile information-generating elements
4 may be placed on two positions, right and left positions, of the
seat 3, as shown in FIG. 31. Especially when only the car
navigation system 25 is used for guidance to the destination,
without the obstacle warning function being used, the number of the
tactile information-generating elements 4 to be installed can be
reduced. When a warning is to be issued only an obstacle on the
forward and backward directions, the tactile information-generating
elements 4 can be placed on the two positions with the fore and aft
arrangement of the seat 3, as shown in FIG. 32. The actuating
method and operation flow are the same as those described above,
and will not be described to avoid duplication.
[0129] As described above, the present embodiment of the present
invention is characterized by the following structure, function and
effects. The present invention contains:
[0130] an obstacle sensor(s) for detecting an approaching obstacle
to a vehicle, and/or a car navigation system for guiding the
vehicle along the optimum route to the destination;
[0131] a tactile information-generating elements for providing the
tactile information to the driver, based on the information from
the obstacle sensor or the car navigation system; and
[0132] a controller for controlling the actuation of the tactile
information-generating element;
[0133] wherein the tactile information-generating elements are
controlled according to the information from the obstacle sensor(s)
or car navigation system, a steering wheel or winker, brake, and
speedometer.
[0134] When an obstacle has been detected by the obstacle sensor 2
and it has been determined that the driver has not yet recognized
the obstacle, the tactile information-generating element
corresponding to the position of the obstacle sensor is actuated.
If the driver recognizes the obstacle after the tactile
information-generating element has been actuated, the
tactile-information-generating elements are stopped.
[0135] The determination criterion distance for detecting the
approach of an obstacle to the vehicle is changed according to the
traveling speed of the vehicle. If the vehicle traveling speed is
low, the determination criterion distance is reduced. If the
vehicle traveling speed is high, the determination criterion is
increased. When the driver has pressed the brake pedal or is going
to turn in the direction where there is no obstacle, the driver is
determined to have identified the obstacle and the tactile
information-generating element is stopped.
[0136] The tactile information-generating element(s) is controlled
based on the information of the winker and car navigation system.
If there is no agreement between the direction information of the
car navigation system and the information of the winker, the
tactile information-generating element corresponding to the
direction in which the driver is led by the car navigation system
is actuated. If there is agreement between the direction
information of the car navigation system and the information of the
winker, the tactile information-generating element(s) is
stopped.
* * * * *